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Andreza Moon is a multidisciplinary artist based in Somerville since 2003. She is originally from Brazil. She told The Times, “I am a face and body painter, actress, circus performer and theater producer. I have already won nine awards because of my work. I also received a citation from the House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts, for my dedication to the arts and Brazilian culture.”

Andreza Moon

“My Somerville connection started a couple years ago, while working as a face painter for Somerville Family Networking, producing plays at the Arts at the Armory and working with a local photographer, as a body painter at the Somerville Art Studios.”

“Also, I’m part of the Omolu production from Robson Lemos. Omolu is a play that deals with Brazilian/African culture. I am also starting my fashion brand, Moon Tribe. I also have a 3D art show online called Papillon. Here’s the link: https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/1805257/papillon.”

Doug Holder: Tell us a bit how Somerville has been for you, as a place of creative expression.

Andreza Moon: It is the best city for any immigrant/ artist to live. The city always embraces us, and gives us opportunity too.

DH: Among other things you are a body painter and you started out as a face painter. Where did you train for this? Why did you progress to the body from the face?

AM: I started this whole face paint idea when I decided to open my own business, “Kids Party Entertainment.” So, I started looking for some schools and I found out about an event that happens every year in Florida. I went for the first time in 2008. This was the first time I saw this type of body paint and fell in love with it, and I started my practice in 2010.

DH: Why would someone want their body painted? How long does it last?

AM: Body paint is a celebration of the body. Human bodies are canvases. People who bless us with their bodies in the name of art understand this, the real meaning behind it. The paint lasts only for couple hours, because the paints are water-based.

DH: You are an actress as well, and you are appearing in a play, Omulu, by Somerville-based playwright Robson Lemos. Tell us a bit about the play and your role as an actress, and in production.

AM: I’m an actress and theater producer. With Omulu I will not be acting, but I will be responsible for the marketing and promotion of the project.

DH: I know your work must be enjoyed by the Brazilian community. How about outside of it?

AM: Most of my body painting projects were all made with Americans. I had the luck to also work in fashion shows, and collaborated with very amazing photographers in photo shoots. I have been working since 2010 with Ikonas Photography based in the Somerville Brickbottom Artist Studios.

DH: Has anyone expressed concerns of the morality of painting nude bodies?

AM: I am a professional. I try my best to educate people about body paint. As body painters, we celebrate the bodies and its parts as art, not pornography. I personally don’t like to body paint men or naked girls. But if I have a professional photo shoot, with experienced models and photographers, they understand the art‘s meaning and purpose.

DH: Tell us about your latest art exhibit.

AM: My 3D art show on-line, Papillon, was made with body paint and digital art. I tell my viewers about the formation of a butterfly, from her caterpillar stage through the adult phase.

When she finally becomes a butterfly, she starts to fly. Like a dream come true; we can become butterflies too, and achieve our highest spiritual levels.